Vertigo causes dizziness and affects your balance
Adapting your diet can help reduce the symptoms of Menieres disease
What is Vertigo ?
Vertigo is defined as an hallucination of movement. It is due to a malfunction of the inner ear.
There are many causes, including :
- Labrynthitis (infection/inflammation of the inner ear)
- Benign Paroxysmal Postional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Meniere’s disease – an inner ear condition caused by a build up of fluid and changing pressure in the ear
Symptoms
Patients experience a sensation of either themselves or the surroundings spinning. Depending on the cause, the spinning can last several seconds to days. It can be associated with nausea, vomiting, hearing loss and tinnitus.
Treatment
If the vertigo is acute and severe, drugs to reduce the nausea and vomiting for example Prochlorperazine can be effective.
Labrynthitis is usually self-limiting and resolves itself within 2 weeks. Supportive treatment, such as bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids and medication usually suffice.
BPPV responds well to the Epley manoeuvre, which can be performed in the clinic and only takes a few minutes.
Meniere’s disease is a more chronic condition that can be helped by medication to control the symptoms such as vertigo and vomiting. Meniere’s disease responds well to dietary change. For example avoiding salt, caffeine and cheese can help.
Occasionally, Grommets are required.